Question

In what way are the viruses different from other microorganism​

Answer 1

Ответ:

The main difference between viruses and other microorganisms is that they can reproduce only in living cells; viruses do not multiply outside the cells. Having multiplied in one cell, viruses like an avalanche attack other healthy cells and continue their reproduction in them.

Answer 2

Viruses are different from other microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, in several fundamental ways:

1. Living vs. Non-living: Viruses are not considered living organisms because they lack many of the characteristics associated with life. They cannot carry out metabolic processes, grow, or reproduce on their own. Instead, they require a host cell to replicate.

2. Genetic Material: Viruses typically have a much simpler genetic makeup compared to other microorganisms. They contain either DNA or RNA, but not both. This genetic material carries instructions for the virus to replicate within a host cell.

3. Reproduction: Viruses cannot reproduce independently. They must infect a host cell and hijack the host's cellular machinery to replicate themselves. Other microorganisms, like bacteria, can reproduce independently through binary fission or other methods.

4. Cell Structure: Viruses lack cellular structures, such as a cell membrane, cytoplasm, or organelles, which are present in other microorganisms. They are composed of genetic material enclosed in a protein coat.

5. Metabolism: Viruses do not possess the metabolic machinery required for energy production or other metabolic processes, which is a defining feature of living organisms.

6. Antibiotics: Antibiotics, which are effective against bacteria and certain other microorganisms, do not work against viruses. Instead, antiviral drugs are used to target viral infections.

7. Size: Viruses are usually much smaller than other microorganisms. They are typically measured in nanometers, while bacteria, for example, are measured in micrometers.

8. Host Specificity: Viruses often have a high degree of host specificity. They can infect specific types of host cells based on the receptors on the cell's surface. In contrast, other microorganisms may have a broader range of host organisms.

9. Replication Mechanism: Viruses replicate by inserting their genetic material into the host cell's DNA or by using the host cell's machinery to create copies of themselves. Other microorganisms replicate through various methods like binary fission, budding, or spore formation.

10. Evolution: Viruses follow their own evolutionary mechanisms, separate from other microorganisms. They can quickly mutate and evolve due to high mutation rates, which can lead to the emergence of new strains and the development of resistance to antiviral drugs.

In summary, viruses are distinct from other microorganisms in their lack of cellular structure, inability to carry out independent metabolism, reliance on host cells for replication, and their unique genetic makeup. These differences make viruses a unique category of infectious agents.